Challenge West Virginia

The McDowell County school system has been returned to local control after being operated by the state Board of Education for eight years.

The state Board of Education has voted to return control to the McDowell County Board of Education.

The state took over the McDowell system in 2001, saying it had terrible test scores and school buildings, and lots of uncertified teachers.

During the take-over, the state consolidated a number of county schools, in what Thomas Ramey, Executive Director of Challenge WV, said was a customary move for the board.

“Good things have happened in McDowell County relative to gains in organization and accountability in the elementary curriculum,” said OEPA Executive Director Kenna Seal.

“Compared to the November 2001 OEPA report, the situation in McDowell County is much improved but problems still remain in some areas,” he said.

Critics of the state takeover say outcomes have improved very little.

“Overall, we are very proud of the work done by the county board, the superintendent, teachers, students and parents in McDowell County,” said State Superintendent Steve Paine.